WKTEP’s Career Fair & Professional Development Day in Nelson provided networking and education opportunities for teacher candidates.
On January 23, 2025, the West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) hosted its annual Career Fair and Professional Development Day at the Nelson Learning Centre. The event featured presentations from 10 school district representatives from local, rural, and northern communities. Each district highlighted district needs and opportunities. Presentations focused on early career teacher mentorship support, health and wellbeing programs, community recreation, entertainment, affordability and features specific to their districts.
The day also featured professional development sessions from the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), the Sinixt Confederacy, and School District No. 20’s Inclusive Education department.
CBAL provided an informative presentation about the free literacy programs they offer throughout BC, as well as the settlement resources offered to newcomers to Canada. The literacy programs are available to people of all ages, “promoting various types of literacy, including adult, family, digital, financial, and workplace skills”.
The Sinixt, a local Indigenous nation in the Columbia River area and northern Washington state, joined WKTEP for a session. Two Sinixt Confederacy members, Elder and educator Shelly Boyd and Policy Analyst Herb Alex explained the role and goals of the Sinixt’s new office in Nelson, including working with local organizations and governments around ecosystem stewardship. The role of Land, language and teachers was emphasized by Shelly, who also offered tools, resources and a deep appreciation to people joining her in the profession.
School District No. 20 Kootenay-Columbia’s Inclusive Education team presented about their work supporting school teams in designing and implementing inclusive practices to support students with diverse abilities across the district.
The day was enjoyed by teacher candidates who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with education professionals and district representatives.
Learn more about WKTEP here.
